Analysis
Future World Symposium debates financing innovation in the next decade
The National Microelectronics Institute (NMI) has unveiled the first in a series of panel debate topics to take place at Future World Symposium. Entitled 'financing the next wave of semiconductor innovation', the session will address the declining availability of VC funding and determine potential alternative funding strategies for start-up companies.
MalcStarting on the 15th September at London's historic Lord's Cricket Ground, the two-day conference seeks to unveil the paths of global technological innovation throughout the next decade.
John Moor, VP of design innovation at the NMI said, The costs associated with starting an IC company are increasing, and so too is the length of time it takes to see a return on that investment. This has meant many VC's are moving to later stage investments or vacated the semiconductor sector altogether.
Start ups are vital to innovation in a great many sectors and the financing of this community is crucial. Are we about to see a new model for start ups that does not rely so heavily on VC backing or do we need to see some high profile successes to revitalise the interest of the VC's?
Tickets and further Future World Symposium information is available on the FWS-2010 website. You can also follow Future World Symposium news announcements on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
The symposium has been organised by the NMI, the UK and Ireland's semiconductor industry trade association.